Net Generation is the youth brand of the USTA and embraces all aspects of youth play for kids ages 5-18. The objective of Net Generation is to have millions of kids connected to the sport. Net Generation will also be a platform to celebrate individuality and champion’s self-expression. We believe we can inspire a new generation of tennis players, providers (coaches, organizers, etc.) and parents. The brand attributes revolve around: Empowerment, Unity, and Play. It puts more emphasis on learning through play and building character on and off the court, not just drills and competition. Plus, Net Generation is dedicated to the safety of all kids, with a guarantee that all of our registered coaches and providers have completed a background check conducted by the National Center For Safety Initiatives (NCSI), the only background screening company endorsed by the National Council of Youth Sports.

You’ll provide your basic personal information and, if applicable, your organization information. To finalize the process, you’ll have to complete the USTA Safe Play program. All providers are required to do the NCSI background check.

Log in to your account on Net Generation and click on the "Welcome" menu in the upper right-hand corner. Click on "Edit Profile" then click on "Provider Information" and scroll to the bottom of the page. You can insert your NCSI Registrant ID under the Safe Play Certification section, then click "Save."

What is a provider?

A provider is anyone who has or provides a tennis program for kids. Examples of providers include certified coaches, school teachers, parents, volunteers and competition managers.

What if my provider type isn't available on the Organization Details in Step 2 of registration?

If your provider type isn't one of the options under Organization Details, please select "Other."

Why is a background check part of the registration process for providers?

The USTA is committed to making every tennis experience an enjoyable and memorable one. To ensure a safe and fun environment for all participants, the USTA has developed "Safe Play," which embodies our commitment to respect and safety for every individual participating in Net Generation through the use of screening, education and reporting tools. This will set a new standard in tennis and build confidence in our sport and with parents. Parents will feel confident signing their kids up with the best coaches in the country. These steps help us get what we need to make your experience great and to keep our kids safe on and off the court.

You will be required to certify and affirm that you have successfully completed Steps 1 and 2 above. Once you submit your application, your results may take up to 10 business days.

I am having problems accessing the online training module in Step 1 of the Safe Play Program

In order to access the course, you will be prompted to register on the U.S. Olympic Committee's Team USA site. If you are unable to complete the training at one time, you can return and continue using the account you created. The course may take up to 35 minutes to complete.

The background screens for the Safe Play program do not have an effect on credit scores as the search is only done for criminal records and therefore only court records are being reviewed (as applicable).

What types of offenses are being screened for?

The following offenses are a sampling of what is being screened for when a background check is performed. The USTA does not include an applicant’s credit information in its background screen. Reportable convictions for, disclosure of convictions for, and pending dispositions for any of the following criminal offenses, or registrations will prompt a determination that an applicant does not meet the criteria to be certified by the USTA as an official, or to serve as a USTA coach, athletic trainer, massage therapist, or serve as a USTA Youth Tennis Workshop coach or USTA Smash Zone volunteer, or to serve as a USTA Junior Team Tennis coach/manager, co-manager, or local/area coordinator.

1. Any felony including an element of violence regardless of the amount of time since the offense, and any non-violent felony within the past fifteen (15) years (felony defined as any crime punishable by confinement greater than one year).
a. Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty, pled nolo contendere or which is pending a disposition. If pled down, then the crime for which the defendant ultimately was convicted.
b. Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing, outer range greater than one year.
2. Any lesser crime involving force or threat of force against a person regardless of the amount of time since the offense.
3. Any lesser crime, regardless of the amount of time since the offense, of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not limited to "victimless" crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography, indecent exposure, and crimes in which sexual relations is an element.
4. Any lesser crime within the past ten (10) years involving controlled substances (not paraphernalia or alcohol).
5. Any lesser crime within the past fifteen (15) years involving cruelty to animals.
6. Any sex offender registrant.
7. Any lesser crime within the past ten (10) years involving harm to a minor not included in numbers 1 – 6 above.

Criminal offenses include "Attempted Crimes" in the above classifications.

Who conducts the background screens for Safe Play?

The National Center for Safety Initiatives provides a secure website for individuals to submit their background information for screening. The National Center for Safety Initiatives system provides the highest level of security and is designed to ensure adherence to federal rules and regulations regarding background screening. In order to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, the background screen process must be completed online.

During the background screen process, I must provide my social security number. Why?

The social security number provides the necessary information (along with your name and date of birth) to produce the most thorough and accurate background screen. Screening based on name, date of birth, address history and social security number is standard throughout the industry. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is the federal statute that outlines the basic laws and regulations that govern the background screening industry. Please note, that the National Center for Safety Initiatives will not share your social security number with the USTA or any other entity. If you do not have a social security number, please contact safeplay@usta.com.

What if I previously had a background check performed by another organization or agency? You will still be required to have a background check performed through the USTA. The USTA is unable to rely on information compiled by another organization or agency. As various organizations, businesses, and agencies use different criteria to determine eligibility for approving an individual’s background screen, the USTA cannot rely on those results.

What happens if the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) needs additional information from me?NCSI will send a notice to you via e-mail with the relevant instructions. This notice will come to you from Compliance@ncsisafe.com in the days following your initial application. It is very important that you check your e-mail and respond promptly to this request since your background screening will be on hold until you respond. Please add ncsisafe.com to your accepted email domain list to receive notifications from NCSI. Additionally, you will be able to see that additional information is needed by checking your status at NCSI's website.

Can I appeal the result of my background check?

If an individual feels that the content of the results of their background screen is inaccurate, then they should contact NCSI to dispute the information so that it can be corrected. To do that, they should contact clientservices@ncsisafe.com.

Who do I contact if I am having issues during the background check process?

At the moment, registration is only open to certified coaches, school teachers, parent volunteers or community coordinators that want to become a part of Net Generation. Parents and players may search for local programs and certified coaches near them.

What is being added to Net Generation?

The focus for early 2017 is to connect with tennis providers so they become the face of Net Generation in their community. In May, providers will be able to upload a public profile as well as their tennis programs that will be searchable by consumers in August.

What are some of the provider incentives for joining Net Generation?

In 2017-2018, there are a lot of incentives for registering on Net Generation as well as adding a program in the Program Management Center.

How much does Net Generation cost?

There is no cost to be a part of Net Generation. For parents and players, it’s free to join as well. For players, the price of programs will vary by coach or community.

What are the Net Generation Provider Standards?

All approved Net Generation Providers have to agree to provider standards in order to appear in our consumer search. Those standards can be found below.

1. Complete the SafeSport Training Course and Background Investigation every two years;
2. Use the Net Generation materials, standards and curricula for instruction, and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the latest principles of growth and development of youth;
3. Deliver your program utilizing the Net Generation delivery philosophy of creating an ideal ‘Developmental Learning Environment’;
4. To place the emotional and physical wellbeing of players first;
5. Provide a welcoming playing situation for everyone;
6. Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship;
7. Not engage in unsportsmanlike or unethical conduct nor encourage players, or any other persons, to engage in unsportsmanlike or unethical conduct;
8. Respect the rights of everyone and treat them with respect regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or ability and encourage players to treat everyone with respect regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or ability.

I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing at any time I may be subject to suspension and/or removal from the Net Generation Program.

What is the Program Management Center?

The Program Management Center, also known as the PMC, allows providers to add programs that will appear in the consumer search. Providers will be able to add coaching programs (for certified coaches only), community programs and school programs. Click here to watch a video tutorial on the PMC.